Olga Lembicz & Robin Piette
SUPERPOSITION. ULiège (Belgium)
Our project is situated in the heart of Pontevedra’s historic district, where the city’s architectural heritage and vibrant public life intertwine. The densely built housing blocks, typical of the area, foster an outward-oriented lifestyle that thrives in public spaces such as the Plaza de Pedreira. This historic square contrasts with the adjacent walled park, which remains more private. Our design seeks to create a fluid connection between these spaces without disrupting their distinct characters. Depending on the project’s phases, the park may remain private, become semi-permeable to residents, or open entirely to the public.
The average building height in this district is around 12 to 14 meters, but several notable structures, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and Saint Bartholomew’s Church, rise to about 20 meters. These fit seamlessly within the urban fabric, forming a visual canopy with the surrounding modernist housing blocks.
The city’s brief calls for 2,400m² of production and exhibition spaces. However, the site, composed of a ruin and its garden, offers only 2,000m² of usable area.
Our design addresses three key challenges. The first, a vertical gesture, liberates the historic ruin while visually establishing this new cultural hub. The second, a horizontal gesture, bridges the surrounding plaza, park, and streets, integrating a structural grid that adapts to the ruin’s walls. The third challenge involves maintaining the integrity of the ruin while ensuring it meets modern standards. The roof shelters the structure, allowing the ruin’s original walls to serve as interior partitions. This approach creates a dialogue between the past and present, preserving historical heritage while integrating new functions.
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